Workers are being told a liquidator is expected to arrive on March 15 to begin the close-out sales.

Sears broke the news to some of its employees Monday, and continued to meet with workers this week.

Loyal shoppers were sad to hear of the impending closure.

"I just went into Sears today and bought some shoes and bought a pair of jeans and I know from now on I am going to have a hard time finding clothes because they have a large petite section. I am so sad they are closing,” said Shalene Kobashigawa.

A wide selection of reasonably priced dependable goods seemed to be what draws customers in.

"They have the best shirts and shorts for the money," said Jeffrey Chipman.

"Most of the things I am using at home is from Sears, especially the clothing. My kids love the shoes,” said Eduardo Encabo.

He will miss the deep discounts after the Thanksgiving holiday.

But that loyalty hasn't been enough to hold off competition from other big name stores.

Some customers worried for the workers because after shopping at the center for decades, they regard them as part of the Sears family.

"They got the same ones who have been here for a long time. So what’s going to happen with them?" Chipman asked.

General Growth would only say that its redevelopment plans are proceeding.

It bought out the Sears lease and plans to overhaul the space, adding new shops to the crown jewel in its portfolio.

Less than a dozen original anchor tenants remain at the Ala Moana Shopping Center.